Area scouts take part in Veterans Day parade

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Front Row, left to right, Bear Scout Declan McLaughlin, Girl Scout Lila Reynolds, Tiger Scout Boone Mclaughlin, Girl Scout Cadence Metcalf, and Bear Scout Beckett Metcalf. Back, Cubmaster Christopher Reynolds, Bear Scout Lux Reynolds, Webelos Cole Stufflebeam, Tenderfoot Scout William Vincent, Tenderfoot Scout Christopher Santiago, Tenderfoot Scout Hunter Brown, and Scoutmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On November 11, 2024, Scouts in Cub Scout Pack #410 and Troop #410 joined Scouts from Augusta Troop #603, Windsor Pack #609, and Winslow Troop #433, in marching in the Waterville Veterans Day Parade to honor and thank all veterans but specifically those from our Central Maine/Kennebec Valley Region. Troop #410, in Vassalboro, Scoutmaster Chris Santiago said, “This is our third year in a row marching in the Waterville Veterans Parade (post-pandemic). It is an honor for us to march to honor and show gratitude for the veterans of the Armed Forces within our community who have served our great country.

“We do so with admiration and gratitude, especially for our Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126 Vassalboro. The parade helps reinforce lessons about character and leadership, citizenship, personal fitness, and a love of the outdoors. These are four of scouting’s major tenants, the other two being personal safety and family/reverence.”

Pine Tree Council Commissioner Mike Labbe said that Scouting has a long history of strong partnerships with and support to our nation’s veterans. Labbe, who is the MyHealthy Vet Coordinator at VA Maine Medical Center, is also a Navy veteran himself having served on most ship types, with aviation squadrons, and with NATO commands.

“Some of Scouting America’s earliest partnerships as an organization were with groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. We, as a nation, owe so much to those who stepped forward and answered the call to serve. We teach our Cubs and Scouts to practice good citizenship and that includes by honoring our veterans.” Santiago added, “Our unit currently has approximately 20 scouts representing the communities of Vassalboro, China, and Waterville, but we always welcome new scouts. Our Cub Scout Pack accepts boys and girls in Grades K-5. For more information contact vassalborocubscoutpack410@gmail.com. Our Troop currently accepts boys in Grades 6-12. For more information contact vassalborobsatroop410 @gmail.com.”

EVENTS: Maine-ly Harmony presents Christmas concert

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Front row, from left to right, Judy Labonte, Jennifer Clair, Betty Avery, Martha Tait, Lynn Izzi, Kathy Joyce, Lea Davis, and Barbara Combs. Second row, Martha Bangs, Peg Dubrow, Candace Pepin, Janet Dunham, LouAnne Mossler, Donna Ryder, Dotti Meyer. Third row, Lynn Rogers, Danielle Bolouc, BJ Sylvester-Pellett, Cathy Anderson, Nancy Bossie, Sue Staples, and Director Kathy Greason. (contributed photo)

Join the Maine-ly Harmony Chorus Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m., at the Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, 35 Highland Avenue, Gardiner, for the Songs of the Season – your favorite Christmas songs, including a silent auction, refreshments and a special appearance from Jolly Ole St. Nick! A donation of $15 is accepted at the door.

Jeffery Flye honored by UBM

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Shawn Nava, left, President of United Bikers of Maine, along with other members of U.B.M presented a plaque of appreciation to Commander Jeffery Flye and American Legion Post #51 for help and support of their organization. (contributed photo)

Garden Gives Back – In Color!

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Blazing orange tomatoes, purple cabbage, golden and purple beans and snap peas decorated the plates of some 70 families who came to the Palermo Food Pantry this growing season. These delicious and nutritious veggies are just some of the exceptional offerings from the Palermo Community Garden. Until noon on December 15, you have the opportunity to help feed our neighbors in need. Families from 12 towns come to our pantry. Once again, Seedmoney.org, of Scarborough, is sponsoring an online crowdfunding event plus offering grants to participating community gardens, and YOU can extend your kindness to help our hard work and increase the productivity of the garden. It’s easy. Just go to https://donate.seedmoney.org/10184/palermo-community-garden and click the orange DONATE button to enter your card number and the amount you want to share with us.

Their goal is to raise $1,500 by noon on December 15. The number of households they welcome is growing, and are already expanding the parking areas to accommodate them. They are also replacing lighted sign, as well as the fruit trees lost last December in the storm. The fruitful but thorny blackberries will be replaced this spring with thornless canes, to make picking much safer for all. These are big projects, and they are certainly grateful for your generosity. For more information, please call Connie at 993-2294 or email pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.

PHOTOS: Parade of Lights: Another spectacular event

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The Parade of Lights, in downtown Waterville, kicked off the holiday season on November 30. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Santa Claus arrived in downtown Waterville during the Parade of Lights. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Winslow Fire/Rescue deputy chief’s wife, Heidi Murphy, and Engine 7 driver’s dog Bobby during the parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

(photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Local artist gifts piece to China Community Food Pantry

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The photo of a gift to the China Food Pantry. The gift is a large painting (approximately 8 feet long) by Chris Fields, a resident of South China. The painting depicts Fields’ concept of the Pantry’s 32-year contribution to the town of China, painted on local lumber. (contributed photo)

PHOTO: Blazing sunset

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Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, captured this blazing sunset recently.

Vassalboro Legion gathering personal care products for VA Veterans Home

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St. Bridget’s Communtity Center. (photos courtesy of Victor Esposito)

During the holiday season for the last three years, members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, gathered personal care products, puzzle books, and snacks for veterans at Togus Veterans Home, in Augusta. With the support of various organizations and individuals this has been an amazing display of generosity and thanks to our veterans.

The members of American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, are inviting you to join them as they collect personal care products, snacks, puzzle books, etc., for this project. Once again, the Sew for a Cause group at St. Bridget Center has made and donated more than 250 Christmas stocking for this project. They will fill the stockings on December 9, 2024, at St. Bridget Center, 864 Main St., North Vassalboro. All are welcome to sort and fill the stockings. The filled stockings will be delivered to Togus Veterans Home by December 12, 2024.

Your support and donation are needed to meet the goal. For more information, to volunteer and/or make a donation, call 207-616-3148.

L.C. Bates Natural History Museum closed for winter

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Good Will-Hinckley’s L.C. Bates Natural History Museum (photo credit: https://www.gwh.org/)

The L.C. Bates Natural History Museum at Good Will-Hinckley is now closed to the public for the winter season. During this time, tours and group admissions are available by appointment only.

The museum is also thrilled to bring its engaging educational programming directly to you! Schools, libraries, community centers, youth groups, and other organizations can schedule on-site programs featuring fascinating natural science topics and unique artifacts. To arrange a visit, please call (207) 238-4250.

Save the Date: Museum Store Sunday

Join us on December 1, 2024, from noon to 5 p.m. for Museum Store Sunday! Both the museum and store will be open, offering a curated selection of nature-inspired gifts, fossils, jewelry, and educational toys—perfect for holiday shopping.

Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly as the museum may be seasonably cold. A complimentary hot chocolate bar will be available to keep you cozy while you browse. Proceeds from all purchases will directly support the museum’s educational programs.

For more information about the L.C. Bates Natural History Museum, booking educational programs, or Museum Store Sunday, please contact them at (207) 238-4250,
Website: www.gwh.org/programs/lc-bates-museum. Donate to the Museum Here: https://bit.ly/GWHdonate.

EVENTS: Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30

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Small Business Saturday is this coming Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, 2024. Are you interested in writing a story on the holiday shopping season or want to arrange an interview with a small business advocate in the area? The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, is here to help. NFIB State Director David Clough is available to discuss the importance of Small Business Saturday to the local economy and how shopping small benefits consumers, employees, and business owners alike.

NFIB State Director David Clough can be reached at (207) 807-4900, and you can contact Senior Media Manager Mike Donohue at (202) 525-9835.

“In addition to creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy, small businesses shape our communities by volunteering their time and financially supporting charitable organizations,” said Clough. “A recent NFIB report highlights how small business owners and their employees benefit their communities, beyond operating their businesses. As we kick off the holiday season, I encourage all Mainers to shop small, especially on Small Business Saturday, and thank a small business owner for how they enrich your community.”

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a way to help local stores and restaurants recover from the Great Recession. It has quickly transformed into a Thanksgiving weekend tradition, becoming one of the busiest sales seasons for small business owners nationwide.